If you or someone you love is facing cancer, you’ve probably wondered what supplements can truly make a difference. While no pill or powder can replace medical treatment, the right nutrients can support your immune system, help manage side effects, and boost overall well-being.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my top five most supportive supplements for cancer patients—plus, if you stick with me until the end, I’ll share my #1 health booster, one that plays a fundamental role in the body’s natural healing process. It’s something many people don’t know about, but it’s essential for cellular repair and regeneration. You can find most of these online, I like to use iHerb but most online vendors will do, except where specified.
1. Medicinal Mushrooms – Nature’s Immune Warriors
Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Chaga are loaded with compounds that help regulate the immune system. Turkey Tail, in particular, has been widely studied for its benefits during cancer treatment. In Japan, an extract from this mushroom (PSK) is actually used alongside chemotherapy to improve survival rates. Reishi is another powerful adaptogen known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, while Chaga is packed with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.
How to Take It: Look for mushroom extracts in capsules, powders, or tinctures. A good daily dose is between 1,000 and 3,000 mg, depending on the type.
2. Taheebo tea – The Inflammation Fighter
Also known as Pau d’Arco, Taheebo tea is made from the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellanedae tree, which has been used for centuries in South America for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This powerful herbal tea contains compounds called naphthoquinones, which have been studied for their potential to inhibit abnormal cell growth and support immune function. Additionally, Taheebo has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for gut health and overall resilience during treatment.
I drank Taheebo tea daily to support detoxification and reduce inflammation—two critical aspects of healing.
How to Take It: Taheebo tea requires a 25 min soft boil. I recommend using the bark offered by Taheebo Wellness Tea. They offer the freshest and highest quality Pau d’Arco bark I have found anywhere. Read more on how to brew Taheebo tea.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Support for Brain, Heart & Muscle
Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. They’ve been shown to help with cancer-related cachexia (muscle wasting) and may even enhance the body’s response to treatment. Plus, they’re great for brain health and can help counteract the mental fog many patients experience.
How to Take It: Choose a high-quality fish oil or algae-based supplement with at least 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. Look for third-party-tested brands to ensure purity.
4. Probiotics & Prebiotics – Gut Health Matters
Chemotherapy, radiation, and medications can wreak havoc on your gut, leading to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and inflammation. Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (the fiber that feeds them) help restore balance. Certain strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, have even been shown to reduce treatment-related diarrhea and gut discomfort.
How to Take It: Look for a multi-strain probiotic with at least 10-50 billion CFUs per serving. If your gut tolerates it, add prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and bananas for extra support.
5. Vitamin D3 & K2 – The Sunshine Vitamin Duo
Vitamin D is essential for immune function, and studies suggest that cancer patients with higher vitamin D levels tend to have better outcomes. It also plays a role in cell regulation and bone health—both of which are crucial during and after treatment. Pairing it with Vitamin K2 (MK-7 form) helps ensure that calcium is directed to the right places (your bones and cells) instead of building up in arteries.
How to Take It: Get your vitamin D levels tested and aim for a range of 50-80 ng/mL. Most people need 2,000–5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, plus 100-200 mcg of K2.
BONUS: My #1 Health Booster – Redox Signaling Molecules
Now, as promised, here’s my ultimate recommendation for supporting your body’s ability to heal itself: Redox Signaling Molecules.
These molecules are fundamental to cellular communication and repair, yet they naturally decline with age, stress, and illness. They play a key role in helping cells detect damage, initiate repair, and eliminate unhealthy cells. Without a proper balance of redox signaling, even the best nutrition and supplements won’t be as effective.
Researchers have found a way to stabilize these molecules outside the body, making them available in supplement form. By restoring redox balance, you’re giving your cells the tools they need to function at their best—helping your immune system, energy levels, and overall recovery.
How to Take It: Redox signaling supplements come in liquid or gel form. Many people notice increased energy, improved recovery, and better overall well-being when incorporating them into their routine. I suggest drinking 8 to 16 oz daily for those with active cancer and 6oz daily once you are done with your treatments. Our body makes these molecules so you can’t be allergic, there are no contraindications and you can’t drink too much. This is my absolute essential supplement to thrive after cancer.
Final Thoughts
Navigating cancer can be overwhelming, but supporting your body with the right supplements can make a real difference. While each of these five supplements offers incredible benefits, redox signaling molecules provide a foundation for cellular health that enhances the effectiveness of everything else.
There is only one company that has managed to stabilize these molecules outside the body. If you’d like to learn more about how redox molecules work or how they can fit into your health plan, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help!